In a surprising turn of events, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is facing a brewing crisis following the alleged appointment of a new federal permanent secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Reports surfaced on Friday indicating that President Bola Tinubu had given the green light to the redeployment and portfolio reassignment of 24 permanent secretaries, including Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The move is set to replace the current incumbent at FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who is slated to retire on January 29, 2024.
The decision has raised eyebrows, as many had anticipated that Adesola would be the final federal permanent secretary posted to the FCTA. This expectation stemmed from President Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission for the FCT, aiming to facilitate career progression for civil servants within the FCT Administration.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed in October that the law for the commission’s creation had been signed since 2018 but remained unimplemented. Wike, expressing surprise at the law’s existence, emphasized the need for its immediate implementation to address the challenges faced by civil servants and restore hope in their career progression.
Despite the absence of an official statement from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation regarding the FCTA’s permanent secretary appointment, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of staff unions in the FCTA, is now threatening a mass protest to voice their discontent if such a posting occurs.
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Comrade Matilukuro Korede, the President of JUAC, issued a circular addressing all staff, describing the new posting as an anomaly that should not be allowed to stand. The circular called for unity among FCTA, FCDA, and SDA staff members, inviting them to a press conference on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the JUAC Secretariat to collectively address the perceived discrepancies and anomalies surrounding the appointment of the new permanent secretary.
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await further developments and official statements from relevant authorities.